Fiction Author: Julia Ruth Smith

Looks like he could bite, tapping on the steering wheel, looking down his long snout, his oily musk filling the space between you. You put a hand on his knee to calm your own nerves and he bellows. As if there’d never been gentle rubbing and bubbles in murky waters, as if you’d never twisted …

Competition Eleven Winning Story: Your Husband Is a Crocodile Tonight Read More »

Under the duvet you are completely, excruciatingly alone. Put a foot out, let it touch the floor; shrivel back. It’s hard but you must insist. Drag yourself to the kitchen; let blistering coffee open your eyes. Do not check your phone. You’re wasting your time. He has gone.
 Let the bathroom steam up. Sing if …

Competition Seven Shortlisted: How to Defrost a Heart Read More »